Ballon d’Or star Rodri reveals his all‑time top three in Time’

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri opened up about his personal ranking, naming Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Zinedine Zidane as his top three footballers of all time, a revelation that will echo through Time’ as the Spanish midfielder reflects on his own legacy.

Alfie Cairns Culshaw’s media background

Lionel Messi and RodriLeft Image - REUTERS/Lee Smith Right Image - REUTERS/Dylan Martinez By  Alfie Cairns Culshaw PM GMT+1 is the byline of the Reuters photo accompanying the story.

Alfie Cairns Culshaw is a football journalist covering the Premier League for GIVEMESPORT, having joined the company in May 2024 and being an avid Arsenal fan and season ticket holder.

He previously worked for SportBible, focusing on Liverpool and Manchester United, and also creates YouTube content, runs a football blog and contributes to Sport Bible and Football analysis, with his work appearing on GiveMeSport where he adds his insights here and gives fans the latest updates.

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Rodri’s top three footballers

Rodri Named his three favourites, placing Andres Iniesta at number three, Lionel Messi at number two and Zinedine Zidane at the top, explaining that each player embodies qualities he admires in the modern game.

He praised Iniesta for his importance to their generation and to Spain, recalling Iniesta’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa and his role in two European Championships, noting the player’s La Liga pedigree.

Regarding Messi, Rodri said, “Of course, because I play against him, and I consider him the best of all time,” underscoring the Argentine’s record of La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, Champions League and World Cup triumphs.

His top pick, Zidane, was described as his idol, with Rodri noting the French legend’s influence on the midfield role, his success at Real Madrid and his performances in El Clasico, highlighting the timeless impact on football.